Tourism sector seeks notice
The "ultimate export industry" has to be better recognised by government as an employer when manufacturing and other industries are losing ground, new tourism industry boss Tim Cossar says.
Two overriding success stories existed in New Zealand: the agriculture-based dairy story and the people-based tourism story, he said yesterday.
Cossar, just a few weeks into the job as chief executive, and master of ceremonies at the annual Tourism Industry Association (TIA) conference in Christchurch, said the group was preparing an election manifesto to take tourism to the new government, whether it be Labour or National.
"We've got a hell of a lot of work to do in terms of taking this industry forward. We've got to advocate and lobby a hell of a lot harder if we actually want to be successful."
South Island tourism operators were last night recognised for their excellence at a function at the Christchurch Convention Centre.
TIA award winners included Skydive Lake Wanaka, Real Journeys and Queenstown's Grand Mercure St Moritz.
Two overriding success stories existed in New Zealand: the agriculture-based dairy story and the people-based tourism story, he said yesterday.
Cossar, just a few weeks into the job as chief executive, and master of ceremonies at the annual Tourism Industry Association (TIA) conference in Christchurch, said the group was preparing an election manifesto to take tourism to the new government, whether it be Labour or National.
"We've got a hell of a lot of work to do in terms of taking this industry forward. We've got to advocate and lobby a hell of a lot harder if we actually want to be successful."
South Island tourism operators were last night recognised for their excellence at a function at the Christchurch Convention Centre.
TIA award winners included Skydive Lake Wanaka, Real Journeys and Queenstown's Grand Mercure St Moritz.
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